Destination: China

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Tibetan Pilgrim Paths

Mt Kailash is the most sacred pilgrimage path in Tibet. The 53km trek is generally done in three days by foreign trekkers and takes you past several monasteries and sacred sights and over the 5600m Drölma-la.

Lake Manasarovar is another sacred kora but is less popular with foreigners. Still, it’s possible to just walk a section, as in the day hike from Chiu Monastery to Hor Qu.

Ganden Monastery, a day trip from Lhasa, has one of Tibet’s most interesting koras and the views of the Kyi-chu Valley below are just wonderful.

The easy and pleasant Pelri kora, outside Bayi, offers lots of connections to Guru Rinpoche and a fine opportunity to stretch the legs on a Land Cruiser trip, though it’s hard to visit independently.

Tashilhunpo Kora in Shigatse is always full of pilgrims. The trail passes chörtens and rock paintings, and offers the best views of the old town and Shigatse dzong (fort).

Sakya Monastery also has an interesting kora around the ruins of its northern monastery complex.

Tirthapuri kora is another short kora, but full of interesting medicinal sites, hot springs and pilgrim action.

Perhaps shortest of all is the Barkhor, the fascinating circuit that surrounds the Jokhang in Lhasa.

Travelling to China?
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance